Dehradun (Uttarakhand) : Providing detailed information on the preventive measures being taken in view of the forest fire, Uttarakhand Governor K.K. Paul on Monday apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the present situation in the hill state.
Prime Minister Modi asked the Governor to seek the Centre’s assistance if required and carry on the efforts to douse the flames.
The Governor also discussed the present state of affairs with Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar during a telephonic conversation.
Speaking about the measures being taken by the Centre to contain the fire, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today said that he was in regular touch with officials of the hill state, adding the situation was under control.
Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh has stated that Rs. 23 crore have been sanctioned to douse the fire. He also stated that direction for inclusion of forest fire prevention work under MGNREGA has also been given. He said the state government is also mooting a long-term plan to control the fire, adding a proposal in this regard will soon be sent to the Centre.
The fire in Kumaon and Garhwal regions has been contained to a large extent.
In joint effort made by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Air Force and the army, more than 30 percent forest fire have been controlled.
The efforts to control fire blaze in Garhwal regions are being made on a war footing.
At least seven people have died and 15 others injured in the fires so far. About 2,269 hectares of forested land have been destroyed with Pauri, Nainital, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Almora districts bearing most of the brunt.
More than 1900 hectare of forest land has been affected by forest fire so far. (ANI)